Retriever Gear: Canine First Aid Kit

Be prepared for retriever injuries

Watching a well-trained gun dog retrieve downed birds is a high point for many hunters. Watching that same gun dog get injured in the field is not. Accidents happen, and hard-charging retrievers find unique ways to get injured. Are you prepared? A canine first aid kit will help you patch up your pal until you can deliver him to the capable hands of a veterinarian.

There are a number of ailments you can handle in the field. You can treat a dog for dehydration, porcupine quills, barbed wire cuts, and scrapes from thorns or briars. In the case of more serious injuries, including muscle tears, broken bones, or hemorrhaging, stabilize your dog until professional help can take over.

For immediate first aid in the field, it's a good idea to have a kit prepared. The equipment in this kit can vary, but these items will allow you to address several possible injuries: